How The Boys of Summer Became a #1 Hit After Tom Petty Rejected It

Coming up. Today’s guitarist Mike Campbell was elated. He thought he’d written the best song of his career, The Boys of Summer. He was over the moon to show it to his band The Heartbreakers and their legendary singer Tom Petty. When Mike brought it in to show Tom and their producer, Jimmy Iovine. They both passed on it. They didn’t hear. it. Mike Campbell was crushed. Jimmy Iovine felt bad so he set this guitarist up with another legendary singer who need songs for his new album... Don Henley. The next day when Mike played it for him, Don too seemed indifferent to the song. He walked out of his house without saying a word. Mike was again CRUSHED. But about an hour later he got a call from Henley who said I think I’ve just written the best song of my career! Up next an interview with Mike Campbell on The Boys of Summer... the song that became the biggest hit of his career, that was rejected by the band he’s known for, and etched in stone by a rival singer! On Professor of Rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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The ultimate rock music history podcast for fans of the greatest era of music. If you’ve ever wondered about the true stories behind your favorite songs, or wanted to hear directly from the legends who made them, Professor of Rock is your new go-to podcast. Hosted by music historian and superfan Adam Reader, this show brings the golden era of music back to life with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into the songs that shaped our lives. This podcast uncovers how timeless tracks were made, the creative breakthroughs, the near-breakups, and the powerful moments that defined music history. Each episode is a masterclass in rock culture and nostalgia—whether it's a chart-topping ‘80s anthem, a one-hit wonder with a wild backstory, or a candid conversation with the legends themselves. Hear the Stories. Relive the Music. Only on Professor of Rock.